Bangor 5ths 4 v 0 Antrim 4ths

ANOTHER FINE WIN FOR FIFTHS

Bangor 5s had a good win in their first home game in Corporate Coaching Junior 5. The visitors to Ballykillaire were Antrim 4s. Having played their 5^th XI last season the 5s knew Antrim would be a tough physical side, and this was an accurate description.The physical nature of the teams meant that the game took along time to get into any rhythm. Antrim had some early pressure and had a series of short corners, however the Antrim attack could not create anything that would trouble Dave Stewarts’ goal.

The onus was on the midfield trio of Dave McGarvey, Paul Scott and Simon Murray to create chances for the Bangor forwards. Simon Harper was his usual self in getting amongst the action and testing the keeper, however it was Calum Togneri who opened the scoring with a controversial goal, it was certain that the ball hit his stick first on the goal line, Antrim players appealed, saying that the ball had hit a foot on the way in, however their own umpire gave the goal. Soon after it was 2-0 Gerry Hamill pushing a short corner to Simon Murray who opened his account for the season via a deflection from the goalkeeper. The defence still had a lot to do, and Matty Neill-McCready was superb at left back making decisive tackles and consistently finding the right pass, as the 5s counter attacked with their usual fast pace. Matty was unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself, going close from a corner.

At right back, Robin McCready was a good outlet for the defence as he made penetrating passes to Gerry and Simon in good positions. Praises for the efforts made by centre back and centre midfield players are due, tireless running and closing down were invaluable to Bangor, helping keep the clean sheet until half time, Paul Scott in the midfield was all over the show, defending and picking out passes, and in the centre of defence debutant Alan Stevenson was a force to be reckoned with, by no means phased by the physicality of the big Antrim forwards.

2-0 at half time and the message was to get the ball out right to Gerry Hamill, who often found himself in acres of space.

Injuries forced John Mitchell to make changes, Murray took a nasty ball on the hip, whilst Matty ended a fine performance on a sour note, having damaged his finger in a full blooded challenge, this brought Mitchell the chance to have his first run out of the season. It was a ball from John that found talisman Simon Harper, who again turned provider and set up Thomas Crawford for his first for the club in only his second appearance, embarrassing the keeper with a strong shot between the guardians legs.

Drama was still to unfold as in the last 15 minutes as the visitors sweeper, a monster of a man, was yellow carded by Chris Harte for persistent aggressive foul play. And on his return the big man hobbled off with an injury. The scoring was not over with just yet, a pacey counter attack saw Harper in familiar territory, and again uncharacteristically, unselfishly set up Hamill for the 4^th and final nail in the coffin for Antrim, Harpers selflessness saw him take a clattering from the keeper and left Gerry with an easy tap in at the back post.

Another good win for the 5s who travel to Banbridge this Saturday.

Man of the Match went to Matty Neill-McCready, again closely followed by Simon Harper.

Many thanks to Chris Harte for umpiring the graveyard shift.